Georgia’s timber industry, long considered one of the state’s economic backbones, is facing a growing list of challenges that are also being felt locally in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia.
The public is invited to a free documentary screening Monday at the DeSoto Theatre in downtown Rome, focusing on PFAS contamination in the South and its impact on Northwest Georgia.
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Saturday, May 2, 2026:
The National Association of Letter Carriers will hold its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 9.
Now in its 34th year, the nationwide one-day food drive helps stock local food pantries at a time when many supplies are running low heading into summer.
Residents can participate by placing a bag of non-perishable food donations by their mailbox on Saturday, May 9. Letter carriers will collect the donations during their regular routes, and the food will go directly to local pantries helping families in need.
Organizers say more than 47 million Americans face food insecurity, including millions of children and seniors. Since the food drive began, letter carriers have helped collect more than 1.94 billion pounds of food nationwide.
Customers are encouraged to check with their letter carrier or local post office to confirm participation in their area.
Georgia Power has broken ground on a new power plant project aimed at supporting the growing demand from data centers across the state.
The expansion is part of a much larger plan to increase energy production as Georgia continues to attract major technology companies and large-scale data operations. Officials say the new facility will help ensure reliable power as demand continues to rise.
State regulators have already approved a major increase in power generation capacity—nearly 10,000 megawatts—to meet that demand, much of it driven by the rapid growth of data centers.
Georgia Power says the investment is critical to maintaining economic growth and keeping up with the needs of businesses moving into the state. However, some critics have raised concerns about long-term costs and the environmental impact, especially with plans that include new natural gas-powered facilities.
The project is one of several underway as utilities work to balance reliability, affordability, and future energy needs in a rapidly growing region.
Georgia lawmakers are weighing the possibility of drawing new voting district maps following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could reshape how election lines are created.
The ruling weakens a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, making it more difficult to challenge political maps unless intentional discrimination can be proven.
In response, some Republican leaders in Georgia are calling for the state to revisit and potentially redraw its congressional and legislative districts.
The issue comes as Georgia has already faced legal challenges over its district maps in recent years, including court-ordered changes ahead of upcoming elections.
Democratic leaders and voting rights advocates have raised concerns that the ruling could impact minority representation, while supporters say it could lead to what they describe as constitutionally drawn districts.
No final decision has been made, but the debate could have significant implications for future elections across Georgia.
Berry College is partnering with the Georgia Department of Corrections to expand access to higher education for incarcerated individuals, with a focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and successful reentry.
The community is mourning the loss of former Summerville Police Chief Stan Mosley, who passed away Thursday.
Chief Mosley served the City of Summerville as Chief of Police for 22 years and dedicated more than 33 years to law enforcement in Chattooga County.
His career began in 1988 with the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office after learning of an opening at the jail from his uncle, Ben Mosley. He was hired by then-Sheriff Gary McConnell as a tower guard, quickly rising through the ranks—first to booking officer within just two weeks, and then into patrol shortly after.
Those who worked alongside Mosley remember him as a leader and mentor. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said, “I could never thank him enough for his guidance as I was starting my law enforcement career. I’m very thankful for our visit a few days ago. Rest in peace, my friend and mentor.”
Funeral arrangements for Chief Mosley are pending.
Walker County has received a 2026 Georgia County Excellence Award from ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, for innovation in county government.
The county was recognized for its spay and neuter voucher initiative, a program designed to reduce unwanted litters and improve animal welfare across Walker County.
The program provides up to 40 free vouchers each month for companion animals. Each voucher is valued at $200 and covers spay or neuter services, microchipping, and a rabies vaccination.
During the first eight months, Walker County Animal Shelter staff issued about 190 vouchers, resulting in 61 female cats, 36 male cats, 44 female dogs, and 49 male dogs being altered.
County officials say the program is already making an impact. Compared to 2024, the shelter saw a 64% decrease in owner surrenders during September, October, and November. Surrenders of kitten and puppy litters dropped by nearly 80% during that same period.
The program is funded entirely through donations, and more than 500 people are currently on the waiting list for a voucher.
Walker County was one of six counties recognized statewide for programs that improve their communities.
An investigation into a reported threat on Thursday at Chattooga High School has determined there was no credible danger to students or staff.